FEC Greenlights Ondo Deep Sea Port as Aiyedatiwa Pushes Party Unity, Investment Drive
13th December, 2025
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the revalidation of Ondo State’s Deep Sea Port licence, clearing a major hurdle for the state’s industrialisation agenda and opening fresh opportunities for large-scale investments.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa disclosed the approval on Friday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) expanded quarterly stakeholders’ meeting held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure, where he also called for unity within the party to consolidate recent political and economic gains.
According to the governor, the deep sea port project, initially secured during his tenure as deputy governor, suffered delays due to a naming error in the original business case submitted to the Federal Government.
“There was an error in the name of the potential investor, which meant the licence was not in the name of Deep Sea Port Limited. This forced us to restart the process and submit a fresh, comprehensive business case,” Aiyedatiwa explained.
He said the port will be located in Erona, Ilaje Local Government Area, the coastal axis with the longest shoreline in the state, positioning Ondo as a gateway for international trade and maritime commerce.
The governor revealed that the port corridor will host several industrial projects, including fertiliser-producing chemical plants, the Sunshine Petroleum Zone, and a modular refinery with a projected capacity of 500,000 barrels. He noted that some of the projects are already at advanced stages, with construction work commenced on the modular refinery.
“A lot is happening already. MOUs have been signed, land allocated, and preliminary works completed. These projects show that Ondo State is ready for serious investors,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa said infrastructure development remains central to his administration’s strategy to attract investment, adding that access roads to industrial zones are being dualised while preparations are ongoing for residential, educational and hospitality facilities to accommodate expected population growth.
On social development, the governor disclosed that 412 primary healthcare centres have either been completed or are nearing completion across the state, with ambulances supplied to all local governments. He added that doctors’ welfare and security remain top priorities.
“Security has been strengthened with the deployment of 512 personnel supported by command and control centres, while traditional rulers have been empowered with improved welfare and mobility to enhance grassroots security,” he said.
Addressing party affairs, Aiyedatiwa urged APC stakeholders to remain united, warning that personal ambitions should not weaken the party’s collective strength.
“Even if your aspirant does not win a ticket, it should not divide the party. That spirit of unity helped us before, and it must continue as we prepare for future elections, including 2027,” he said.
He linked Ondo’s developmental strides to national fiscal reforms, noting that improved revenue management has enabled the state to invest in infrastructure, security and industrial projects while reducing debt exposure.
Looking ahead, the governor announced plans to host an investment summit in February 2026, marking the first anniversary of the elected administration, to showcase Ondo State’s industrial and economic opportunities to global investors.
In their remarks, APC leaders commended the governor’s leadership style and performance. Southwest APC Vice Chairman, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, praised Aiyedatiwa’s humility and inclusiveness, urging lawmakers to be more involved in party activities. He also highlighted the expansion of party representation from 10 to 60 delegates per local government.
Dr Tunji Abayomi applauded the administration’s achievements, citing the quarterly stakeholders’ meetings and the establishment of the Governorship Advisory Council as key innovations. Chief Jamiu Ekungba and Dr S.B. Akerele also lauded the governor’s governance approach, calling for better communication of government projects to the public.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami; the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Special Adviser on Legislative and Party Affairs, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; and APC chieftains from the state’s 18 local government areas.
